AFP’s Western Command calls on residents to help guard security in Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16): AFP’s Western Command calls on residents to help guard security in Palawan

The AFP’s Western Command (WESCOM) called on residents in northern Palawan, particularly in the town of Roxas, to help curb insurgency by being vigilant for anything unusual which could threaten security. WESCOM spokesperson Maj. Oliver Bañaria said the raid of the municipal police station in Roxas by armed men who claimed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA)aimed to sow fear among residents to stop them from cooperating with authorities.

Twenty armed men raided a municipal police station in Palawan on Wednesday killing a policeman and injuring another. “This is what they really do; to propagate fear among residents to prevent them from cooperating with us. Its effect can be anything; it can be negative or positive. If people refuse to cooperate and remain living in fear, then it will be that way. We appeal to the people, particularly in Roxas, (to) cooperate with authorities to end their atrocities and live in peace,” Bañaria said. Bañaria said the joint pursuit operation by elements of the Palawan Police Office (PPO) and troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 continues in Roxas and nearby town of Taytay, where the armed suspects allegedly fled.

On the other hand, while the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) is worried about the raid, it remains positive that it won’t affect the tourism industry in the province which is slowly gaining momentum. “The assurance of peace and security is one of the factors for a successful industry, that is why we hope this incident will not affect it,” said Provincial Tourism Officer Maribel Buñi in reaction to questions about how the incident will affect Palawan tourism. December being the beginning of the peak season in the province, Buñi hopes no similar incident will again take place. “We know that our authorities are doing their best to keep Palawan safe and secure, and by this, we also appeal for residents to cooperate. If they see people with suspicious activities, they should immediately tell authorities,” she said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=480290